With his kind permission, for the third year I’m posting one of Craig Pindell’s Never Forget series of photographs and some of his words in remembrance of the attack on New York’s World Trade Center on September 11th 2001.
As it doesn’t seem to be clear to everyone who had read the past two years’ posts, I am not engaging in political commentary or trying to start debate here. I’m simply marking an event that has had far reaching impact in my life. I’m inviting you to pause and think; and I’m sharing what I believe to be a great effort by the photographer.
If you are reading this at 08:46 EST on September 11th 2017, Craig will have just captured the latest image in his series.
About the project, from the man himself:
“Like almost everyone I know, I can remember exactly where I was when I heard that airplanes had crashed into the twin towers, the Pentagon, and in the field in Pennsylvania. I also can remember the sick feeling, the anger, the astonishment, and the resolution to always remember that our country had been attacked in such a cowardly fashion.
Everywhere in the nation there were American Flags flying proudly. The entire country came together as one. We all promised we would never forget. That patriotism was the genesis for this project for myself – I would make a photograph every September 11 at 6:46 am Mountain Time – the exact time the first plane hit the World Trade Center.
Since that horrible day in 2001, memories have faded for some. There are fewer flags flying these days. Patriots are harder to find, but I have never missed my self-appointed scheduled photograph.”
The image below is the fifth in Craig’s series, taken on September 11th 2006.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 6:46 AM Mountain Time - Sky Scrapers, Denver Colorado - Kodak T-Max 100 Film - Hasselblad Camera - 80 mm lens - 1/2 Second Exposure at f/11
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 6:46 AM Mountain Time

Sky Scrapers, Denver Colorado

Kodak T-Max 100 Film

Hasselblad Camera – 80 mm lens.

1/2 Second Exposure at f/11


 
 
About the image:
“I was very fortunate to be asked to be part of a conference about Shutdowns, Turnarounds and Outages in Denver Colorado and I accepted before I realized I would be at the conference for 9/11. I considered withdrawing from the conference, but in the end I felt I could make my photograph at the appointed time, and still be able to get to the conference session on time. It had been a big year since the last 9/11 photograph. Sadam Hussein had been found, tried and hung. The war based on lies was being called out for what it was. The government was being exposed, finally. They took the events of 9/11 and used them as a catalyst for profiteering and bloodshed. Patriotism is turning to anger.
As I left the hotel and walked in downtown Denver, it occurred to me that there were people walking in New York City the morning of 9/11. I cannot even imagine the feeling they must have had when they looked up and saw the planes hit the buildings. Cities are so enclosed and I feel trapped in the city. It had to be pure terror!
When I had finished making this image, the security person from the building on the right came out and told me in no uncertain terms to leave the area. He had called the police and my activities were suspicious. I thought about waiting for the police to explain myself, but I did not want to be late for the conference session, so I left. As far as I know, the Denver police are still looking for a terrorist with a camera…”
 


 
Thanks for allowing me to share, Craig.
~ EMULSIVE
 
 

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5 responses to “Photostory: Never Forget 2007 – Craig Pindell”

  1. @cpindell1 So heartfelt and sincere. Thank you for sharing.

  2. @cpindell1 Wonderful Craig

  3. @cpindell1 Excellent work and sentiment Craig, a tinge of humour at the end. Already look forward to next year.

  4. @cpindell1 Fantastic series.

 

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